This is how AKVA group develops aquaculture
Written by
Anne Oma
Since 1974, AKVA group has developed solutions that have transformed how the world produces farmed fish. From the first plastic pen to today’s systems for deep farming, land-based production and data-driven decision-making, the objective has remained the same: improved fish welfare, lower environmental impact and more efficient operations.
This is the core of Pioneering a better future – which is both our vision and our slogan.
“For aquaculture to continue developing, we must deliver solutions that make production more predictable, more efficient and gentler on the fish. It is about technology that reduces impact and addresses real operational challenges. That is what Pioneering a better future means to us,” says Knut Nesse, CEO of AKVA group.
Knut Nesse - AKVA group. Photo: AKVA group
Steinar Olaisen (pictured) and Hans Petter Meland introduced the idea of the polyethylene pen, developed together with Helgeland Plast (owned by AKVA group). The prototype was tested at Lovund Sjøprodukter in February 1974 – marking the beginning of a revolution in modern aquaculture. Photo: AKVA group
From plastic pens to integrated systems
When the plastic pen was launched in the 1970s, it reshaped the standards for safety, robustness and daily operations. Since then, AKVA group has developed everything from recycled pens and workboats made from renewable materials to the first commercial deep-farming solution for salmon and cod – and new low-emission concepts such as floating solar energy system for aquaculture, where AKVA group Chile contributes as a technology provider and integration partner in collaboration with Alotta and Fjord Maritime
Today, AKVA group supplies complete systems across sea-based production, land-based aquaculture and digital solutions – developed and tested in close collaboration with farmers and research partners.
Deployment of a new air dome in a submerged Nautilus pen at SalMar – part of AKVA group’s pioneering work within commercial deep farming. Photo: AKVA group
Deeper and more controlled
In recent years, deep farming has moved from pilot projects to commercial operations. Through Atlantis and Nautilus, solutions are delivered that keep fish deeper in the water column, in an environment with significantly lower lice pressure. The result is fewer treatments, more stable conditions and improved fish welfare.
“Close collaboration with farmers is essential for solving the challenges facing the industry,” says Arnstein Hosaas, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) Sea Based at AKVA group.
Small fish tanks measuring 2 x 2 metres were previously common in smolt production, as seen here in 2002 at Petrohue Salmon Smolt in Chile. Since then, both scale and technology have developed significantly. Photo: Bent Højgaard
Modern land-based grow-out tanks for large salmon hold up to 5,000 cubic metres, with a diameter of 28 metres and a depth of 13 metres. AKVA group delivers the technology that ensures a stable water environment and efficient operations – in line with the ambition to create a better and more sustainable future for aquaculture. Laxey, Iceland. Photo: AKVA group.
Control and predictability on land
On land, AKVA group builds RAS (recirculating aquaculture systems) and Re-use facilities that provide full control of water, energy, environmental parameters and fish welfare. By combining technical precision with biological insight, facilities are delivered that offer stable production conditions and flexible site selection.
A single point of responsibility from planning to operation ensures that farmers have one partner – not a fragmented system.
AKVA observe is built on the market’s leading platform for artificial intelligence, computer vision and machine learning. Photo: Iain Ferguson
Data as a working tool
Digitalisation now connects the production process in ways that were not previously possible. Operational systems collect data from the entire site in a single overview, across locations and production methods. Environmental, production and biological data are processed together and used in planning and reporting.
Artificial intelligence is a key focus area. An AI-based feeding assistant analyses video streams and recommends feed adjustments to reduce waste and feed conversion ratios. Underwater systems with cameras, sensors and automated winches provide continuous insight into biomass, lice development and environmental conditions at depth.
In this way, data becomes a practical management tool and an integrated part of how new solutions are developed.
More food, smaller footprint
Whether through deeper pens, land-based systems or data-driven optimisation, everything points towards the same goal: producing more healthy food with fewer resources and a lower environmental footprint.
Pioneering a better future is about delivering solutions that are documented, scalable and developed in close cooperation with the industry – solutions that support the next phase of modern aquaculture.